Colston Delk isn’t playing, but he’s definitely inspiring Henderson, Nevada

Henderson, Nevada features more than one most valuable player. One could say the Paseo Verde Little League all-stars possess 12 MVPs, each one carrying equal weight all summer.

And yet their most important player will not even take the field at the Little League World Series. Still, you better believe Colston Delk is a huge reason Henderson is one of the world's top 20 Little League Baseball teams and the Mountain Region champions.

Colston, a 10-year-old Paseo Verde Little Leaguer, was diagnosed with cancer four months ago. He has had tumors in his legs, pelvis and abdomen while enduring a recent surgery. But he fights on, displaying the heart and toughness of someone well beyond his years.

Colston is not hitting, pitching or fielding for Henderson, but he sure is inspiring the team. He is close to the team's heart whenever it competes with players putting stickers on their helmets, representing their friend.

"He threw out the opening pitch at our state semifinal game. The kids saw that it meant a lot to them," Henderson manager Adam Johnson said. "As hard as it can be for a 12-year-old to have that perspective, they understand what he's going through and who he is and what he overcomes. They know they represent more than themselves. They represent Colston and all their great teammates that aren't playing anymore this summer."

The first signs came when Colston started experiencing leg pain more than four months which eventually became unbearable. Soon after, he was diagnosed with cancer. He recently had surgery to remove the tumors and will undergo radiation and chemotherapy in the coming months, part of a long treatment plan.

Through it all, Colston keeps smiling and making others feel better. His positive attitude spreads throughout the league and he has made these Paseo Verde all-stars better just by being around them. Colston loves seeing his buddies compete and win, gaining strength from watching them perform.

And that feeling certainly is reciprocal.

"Paseo Verde is close-knit and to know there's a kid who was diagnosed with cancer who might take inspiration from us is definitely powerful," Johnson said. "It motivates others. As coaches we think about, here's a kid who is fighting for his life and all he wants to do is watch Paseo Verde one more time, so we're doing everything we can to keep playing keep it rolling."

Henderson dropped its first Mountain tournament game and needed to win four straight elimination games if it was to reach South Williamsport. Considering what Colton is battling, that was nothing. And showing the spirit which defines Colton, his friends provided the perfect tribute, rallying to win all four games, closing with consecutive shutouts, including a Wyatt Erickson no-hitter in the championship.

No need to send a card or gift Colston's way. That performance and championship offered all the encouragement he needed.

"Seeing and hearing Colston's story helps them every day," Johnson said.

Colston continues spreading joy with his infectious smile and he has received well-wishes from Major League MVPs like Mike Trout and Las Vegas native Bryce Harper, as well as former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

So many look up to professional athletes like those three, but whether Colston realizes it or not, they are looking up at him these days. His battle continues but Colston has become a happy soldier who refuses to stay down and who keeps bringing others' spirits up.

Despite his ongoing treatments, Colston found a way to play some late in the Little League's regular season. As amazing as the run Henderson is experiencing and the history it is making as the first Paseo Verde team to ever reach the Series, Colston working his way into the batter's box is the greatest thing to happen in the league this season.

When I was a Little Leaguer's age my heroes were athletes like Eddie Murray and Joe Montana. As I grew older, I understood one need not play professional sports to fill that role. I recognized people performing heroic deeds were all around me.

There is no age requirement on being a hero. There is no time where a person doing brave, extraordinary things cannot inspire others.

Henderson, Nevada knows this well. They have a super hero right there in their hometown.

His name is Colston Delk.

Chris Masse may be reached at cmasse@sungazette.com. Follow him on Twitter at @docmasse.